HISTORY
Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of it's existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artefacts, old walls and buildings have been uncovered on the first site, Wood Quay, in the present City Centre. The town was captured in the 9th century by the Danes. The rebellious Irish wrested control of Dublin from the Danes on a number of occasions during the next three centuries, notably in 1052,1075, and 1124. In 1171 the Danes were expelled by the Anglo-Normans, led by Henry II, king of England. Until the middle of the 17th century, Dublin remained a small, walled medieval town. But in 1649 After the English Civil Wars the town was taken over by Oliver Cromwell, it had only 9,000 residents at this time and was in a state of shambles. By the end of the 17th century, however, a remarkable growth began with Protestant refugees from the European continent pouring into Dublin.In the course of the next century, Dublin grew enormously in size and wealth and soon became the second city of the British Empire. This prosperity made Dublin an exciting city for the Protestant Ascendancy, members of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy who had denied basic civil rights to the native Roman Catholics. In 1800 the Act of Union between England and Ireland abolished the Irish Parliament and drastically reduced Dublin's status. A long decline set in that only began to be reversed after Ireland became independent in 1922. This independence came about after the 1916 Rising and the subsequent War of Independence.Dublin was the scene of some of the most severe fighting of the Irish rebellion of 1916 and of the revolution of 1919 to 1921, which resulted in the establishment of the Irish Free State
10 THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN
1 - Guinness Store House
The Guinness Store House is located in St James's Gate in Dublin, and is easily accessible by foot from Dublin City Centre, by bus or by tram. The Storehouse is located in the hearth of the famous Guinness Brewery in Dublin and is the top tourist attraction in Ireland. Since the Storehouse opened in 2000, it has received over 4million visitors. The Storehouse traces the history of Guinness and its creator, Arthur Guinness who established the Guinness Brewery in 1759. Arthur signed a 9,000 year lease for the brewery in Saint James's Gate at a cost of £45 per Annum. The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the fermentation process of creating Guinness. Like many buildings in Ireland during that period, the design followed the Chicago style of architecture with massive steel beams being the main support structure. Until 1988 the fermentation process was housed in the Storehouse. The Storehouse spans 7 storeys which take you from the main ingredients in a pint of Guinness to the amazing Gravity Bar which provides 360 degree views over Dublin City. Each floor takes you though a different aspect of the world famous Guinness Brewery until you reach the Gravity Bar.
2- Temple Bar
Temple Bar is located on the South Side of the River Liffey and between the two major shopping districts in Dublin, Grafton Street and Henry Street. Access from all over Dublin is very straight forward by bus, car, tram or foot as Temple Bar is essentially situated in the hearth of Dublin. Temple Bar is surrounded by Dame Street and The River Liffey to the South and North respectively. The area more than likely got its name from the Temple family who lived in the area during the 17th Century. The area began a long and slow decline into urban decay during the 19th Century and at one stage was in danger of being knocked down and a bus terminal being built in its place. During the early 1990s the Irish Government set up a not-for-profit company to oversee the regeneration of the area as Dublin's Cultural Quarter. Since then, the area has gone from strength to strength and is now of the major tourist hot spots in Dublin. While Temple Bar is the Cultural Quarter in Dublin, it is also home to more than its fair share of restaurants, bars and shops. At night the area is flooded with nightlife revellers and stag / hen parties while by day the area takes on a more normal facade. Without doubt you should visit Temple Bar and sample some of the famous public houses, but the area can become very crowded and you might be better off heading to another pub in Dublin City Centre.
3 - Grafton Street
Grafton Street is located on the South Side of Dublin City and is very accessible by bus, car, tram or by foot. Grafton Street runs from College Green beside Trinity College to St Stephens Green and is a pedestrian only street. Grafton Street was named after the first Duke of Grafton who was the owner of the land in the area. Grafton Street grew out of a country lane and was developed by the Dawson family in 1708. Most of the street was pedestrianised in the 1980s and has remained so to this day. At the bottom of Grafton Street stands the statue of Molly Malone which has become a very popular meeting point for Dubliners. The main attraction to Grafton Street is shops. Grafton Street offers everything from Marks and Spencer’s to Brown Thomas exclusive department store. At the top of Grafton Street is St Stephens Green Shopping Centre which houses over 100 shops under one roof. 4 - National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts
The National Museum of Ireland is situated at Collins Barracks in Dublin. The museum is easily reached by Luas which passes by the front door. The Luas runs from Abbey Street in Dublin City Centre and is a reliable way of travelling around Dublin cheaply. The National Museum of Ireland is split into three sections, Archaeology & History, Decorative Arts & History and Natural History. The Decorative Arts & History aspect of the National Museum of Ireland is situated in Collins Barracks and contains a wide range of artefacts including weapons, furniture, silver, glassware, ceramics and dress costumes. There is no shortage of exhibitions and educational offerings held in the National Museum of Ireland. Guided tours are offered for a cost of €2 per person with each tour accommodating a maximum of 30 people per tour. The tour takes roughly 45 minutes and will take you on an interesting and educational tour of the museum. 5 - Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is situated just off Dame Street in Dublin City Centre and is easily accessed by bus, foot or taxi. The castle is now a major Irish Governmental conference centre and hosts many significant international meetings annually. The history of Dublin Castle is fascinating. Most of what constitutes the current castle dates back to the 18th Century although a castle has been situated on this spot since the days of the first Lord of Ireland during the 12th Century. During British Rule in Ireland Dublin Castle was the centre of the occupational force. When the Irish Free State was established in 1922, Dublin Castle was handed over to Michael Collins during a ceremony. Today you can avail of guided tours of the State Apartments which are located in the south part of the Great Courtyard. These apartments were used to house the Vice Regal Court and today are used to accommodate visiting dignitaries.
6 - Dublin Zoo
Situated in the Phoenix Park in Dublin City, Dublin Zoo is the largest Zoo in Ireland and one of the busiest attractions in Dublin. The Zoo is too far away from Dublin City Centre to walk, but is easily accessible by taxi or bus. Dublin Zoo was founded in 1830 and is the fourth oldest zoo in the world and describes its role as conservation, study and education. The zoo provides habit for over 235 species of wild animals. Dublin zoo is split up into different themed areas: African Plains, Fringes of the Arctic, The Kzirange Forest Trail, World of Primates, World of Cats and City Farm & Pet's Corner. Recently Dublin Zoo has been successful in breading a new elephant calf, the second such success in recent history. There is a lot to see in Dublin Zoo and it is a great day out for everybody, both young and old. 7 - Trinity College
Trinity College is situated in the hearth of Dublin City on College and is very easily accessible from all over Dublin. Trinity College is situated at the bottom of Grafton Street and marks the start of Dame Street. The College was established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I and is the oldest and most prestigious college in Ireland and is ranked as the 53rd highest ranking college globally according to the Times Higher Education Supplement Global Ranking. The college well worth a visit if only you plan to walk through the famous entrance and courtyard. One of the biggest tourist attractions to Trinity College Dublin is to the Book of Kells which is housed in the Trinity College Library. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript and is widely recognised as one of Ireland's most valuable historical artefacts. 8 - Georgian Dublin
It is hard to tread far in Dublin without seeing some of the fantastic Georgian architecture in Dublin. Most of the city centre is Georgian which the buildings that are constructed in a different style are modern buildings. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s a trend in Dublin towards new style architecture meant that some of the best Georgian buildings in Dublin were destroyed.
If you are interested in architecture of any kind, Georgian Dublin will hold many delights for you. One such attraction is Number 29, Fitzwilliam Street Lower which has been restored and now stands as a museum to Georgian Dublin. The entire house stands as a recollection to Georgian Dublin, and is furnished to accurately reflect how a Georgian house would appear in times gone by. 9 - Kilmainham Gaol
Situated in the suburb of Kilmainham, Kilmainham Gaol was a prison that played a significant role in the History of Ireland. The museum is accessible by bus or taxi from Dublin City Centre. Kilmainham Gaol was first constructed in 1796 and served as a prison for 140 years, during which time it held many historically famous Irishmen. After the 1916 Rising in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol was used to house and execute most prisoners captured. The prison is a fantastic insight into the history of Ireland and her occupation by Britain. The jail was abandoned in 1924 by the Irish Free State. 10 - Glendalough
While situated in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough (Glen of the two lakes) is easily reachable by car. Glendalough is almost 50km outside of Dublin and a journey by car will take in the region of 55 minutes. For tourists in Dublin who wish to visit Glendalough, Thrifty Car Rental Ireland offers a Dublin City Centre location near Trinity College. The Glen contains a ruined village, including a former monastery which was founded during the 6th Century. The area is ideal for exploration with ample hill walking and lake side trails for the more adventurous among us. The weather in Ireland is changeable, so any outdoor pursuit should include preparations for changeable conditions.
Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of it's existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artefacts, old walls and buildings have been uncovered on the first site, Wood Quay, in the present City Centre. The town was captured in the 9th century by the Danes. The rebellious Irish wrested control of Dublin from the Danes on a number of occasions during the next three centuries, notably in 1052,1075, and 1124. In 1171 the Danes were expelled by the Anglo-Normans, led by Henry II, king of England.
Until the middle of the 17th century, Dublin remained a small, walled medieval town. But in 1649 After the English Civil Wars the town was taken over by Oliver Cromwell, it had only 9,000 residents at this time and was in a state of shambles. By the end of the 17th century, however, a remarkable growth began with Protestant refugees from the European continent pouring into Dublin.In the course of the next century, Dublin grew enormously in size and wealth and soon became the second city of the British Empire. This prosperity made Dublin an exciting city for the Protestant Ascendancy, members of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy who had denied basic civil rights to the native Roman Catholics.
In 1800 the Act of Union between England and Ireland abolished the Irish Parliament and drastically reduced Dublin's status. A long decline set in that only began to be reversed after Ireland became independent in 1922. This independence came about after the 1916 Rising and the subsequent War of Independence.Dublin was the scene of some of the most severe fighting of the Irish rebellion of 1916 and of the revolution of 1919 to 1921, which resulted in the establishment of the Irish Free State
10 THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN
1 - Guinness Store House
The Guinness Store House is located in St James's Gate in Dublin, and is easily accessible by foot from Dublin City Centre, by bus or by tram. The Storehouse is located in the hearth of the famous Guinness Brewery in Dublin and is the top tourist attraction in Ireland. Since the Storehouse opened in 2000, it has received over 4million visitors. The Storehouse traces the history of Guinness and its creator, Arthur Guinness who established the Guinness Brewery in 1759. Arthur signed a 9,000 year lease for the brewery in Saint James's Gate at a cost of £45 per Annum. The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the fermentation process of creating Guinness. Like many buildings in Ireland during that period, the design followed the Chicago style of architecture with massive steel beams being the main support structure. Until 1988 the fermentation process was housed in the Storehouse. The Storehouse spans 7 storeys which take you from the main ingredients in a pint of Guinness to the amazing Gravity Bar which provides 360 degree views over Dublin City. Each floor takes you though a different aspect of the world famous Guinness Brewery until you reach the Gravity Bar.
2- Temple Bar
Temple Bar is located on the South Side of the River Liffey and between the two major shopping districts in Dublin, Grafton Street and Henry Street. Access from all over Dublin is very straight forward by bus, car, tram or foot as Temple Bar is essentially situated in the hearth of Dublin. Temple Bar is surrounded by Dame Street and The River Liffey to the South and North respectively. The area more than likely got its name from the Temple family who lived in the area during the 17th Century. The area began a long and slow decline into urban decay during the 19th Century and at one stage was in danger of being knocked down and a bus terminal being built in its place. During the early 1990s the Irish Government set up a not-for-profit company to oversee the regeneration of the area as Dublin's Cultural Quarter. Since then, the area has gone from strength to strength and is now of the major tourist hot spots in Dublin. While Temple Bar is the Cultural Quarter in Dublin, it is also home to more than its fair share of restaurants, bars and shops. At night the area is flooded with nightlife revellers and stag / hen parties while by day the area takes on a more normal facade. Without doubt you should visit Temple Bar and sample some of the famous public houses, but the area can become very crowded and you might be better off heading to another pub in Dublin City Centre.
3 - Grafton Street
Grafton Street is located on the South Side of Dublin City and is very accessible by bus, car, tram or by foot. Grafton Street runs from College Green beside Trinity College to St Stephens Green and is a pedestrian only street. Grafton Street was named after the first Duke of Grafton who was the owner of the land in the area. Grafton Street grew out of a country lane and was developed by the Dawson family in 1708. Most of the street was pedestrianised in the 1980s and has remained so to this day. At the bottom of Grafton Street stands the statue of Molly Malone which has become a very popular meeting point for Dubliners. The main attraction to Grafton Street is shops. Grafton Street offers everything from Marks and Spencer’s to Brown Thomas exclusive department store. At the top of Grafton Street is St Stephens Green Shopping Centre which houses over 100 shops under one roof.
4 - National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts
The National Museum of Ireland is situated at Collins Barracks in Dublin. The museum is easily reached by Luas which passes by the front door. The Luas runs from Abbey Street in Dublin City Centre and is a reliable way of travelling around Dublin cheaply. The National Museum of Ireland is split into three sections, Archaeology & History, Decorative Arts & History and Natural History. The Decorative Arts & History aspect of the National Museum of Ireland is situated in Collins Barracks and contains a wide range of artefacts including weapons, furniture, silver, glassware, ceramics and dress costumes. There is no shortage of exhibitions and educational offerings held in the National Museum of Ireland. Guided tours are offered for a cost of €2 per person with each tour accommodating a maximum of 30 people per tour. The tour takes roughly 45 minutes and will take you on an interesting and educational tour of the museum.
5 - Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is situated just off Dame Street in Dublin City Centre and is easily accessed by bus, foot or taxi. The castle is now a major Irish Governmental conference centre and hosts many significant international meetings annually. The history of Dublin Castle is fascinating. Most of what constitutes the current castle dates back to the 18th Century although a castle has been situated on this spot since the days of the first Lord of Ireland during the 12th Century. During British Rule in Ireland Dublin Castle was the centre of the occupational force. When the Irish Free State was established in 1922, Dublin Castle was handed over to Michael Collins during a ceremony. Today you can avail of guided tours of the State Apartments which are located in the south part of the Great Courtyard. These apartments were used to house the Vice Regal Court and today are used to accommodate visiting dignitaries.
6 - Dublin Zoo
Situated in the Phoenix Park in Dublin City, Dublin Zoo is the largest Zoo in Ireland and one of the busiest attractions in Dublin. The Zoo is too far away from Dublin City Centre to walk, but is easily accessible by taxi or bus. Dublin Zoo was founded in 1830 and is the fourth oldest zoo in the world and describes its role as conservation, study and education. The zoo provides habit for over 235 species of wild animals. Dublin zoo is split up into different themed areas: African Plains, Fringes of the Arctic, The Kzirange Forest Trail, World of Primates, World of Cats and City Farm & Pet's Corner. Recently Dublin Zoo has been successful in breading a new elephant calf, the second such success in recent history. There is a lot to see in Dublin Zoo and it is a great day out for everybody, both young and old.
7 - Trinity College
Trinity College is situated in the hearth of Dublin City on College and is very easily accessible from all over Dublin. Trinity College is situated at the bottom of Grafton Street and marks the start of Dame Street. The College was established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I and is the oldest and most prestigious college in Ireland and is ranked as the 53rd highest ranking college globally according to the Times Higher Education Supplement Global Ranking. The college well worth a visit if only you plan to walk through the famous entrance and courtyard. One of the biggest tourist attractions to Trinity College Dublin is to the Book of Kells which is housed in the Trinity College Library. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript and is widely recognised as one of Ireland's most valuable historical artefacts.
8 - Georgian Dublin
It is hard to tread far in Dublin without seeing some of the fantastic Georgian architecture in Dublin. Most of the city centre is Georgian which the buildings that are constructed in a different style are modern buildings. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s a trend in Dublin towards new style architecture meant that some of the best Georgian buildings in Dublin were destroyed.
If you are interested in architecture of any kind, Georgian Dublin will hold many delights for you. One such attraction is Number 29, Fitzwilliam Street Lower which has been restored and now stands as a museum to Georgian Dublin. The entire house stands as a recollection to Georgian Dublin, and is furnished to accurately reflect how a Georgian house would appear in times gone by.
9 - Kilmainham Gaol
Situated in the suburb of Kilmainham, Kilmainham Gaol was a prison that played a significant role in the History of Ireland. The museum is accessible by bus or taxi from Dublin City Centre. Kilmainham Gaol was first constructed in 1796 and served as a prison for 140 years, during which time it held many historically famous Irishmen. After the 1916 Rising in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol was used to house and execute most prisoners captured. The prison is a fantastic insight into the history of Ireland and her occupation by Britain. The jail was abandoned in 1924 by the Irish Free State.
10 - Glendalough
While situated in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough (Glen of the two lakes) is easily reachable by car. Glendalough is almost 50km outside of Dublin and a journey by car will take in the region of 55 minutes. For tourists in Dublin who wish to visit Glendalough, Thrifty Car Rental Ireland offers a Dublin City Centre location near Trinity College. The Glen contains a ruined village, including a former monastery which was founded during the 6th Century. The area is ideal for exploration with ample hill walking and lake side trails for the more adventurous among us. The weather in Ireland is changeable, so any outdoor pursuit should include preparations for changeable conditions.
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